Konu: Turkish Army Forces

TURKISH ARMED FORCES


LAND FORCES COMMAND

Total personnel (Including forces in Cyprus, excluding Gendarmerie): 402.000
Reserves: 260.000

Total Gendarmerie personnel: 180.000
Total Gendarmerie reserves: 50.000

Structure:

4 Army HQs
10 Corps HQs
2 Mechanized Infantry Divisions (Tactical HQs)
2 Mechanized Infantry Divisions
14 Armored Brigades
14 Mechanized Infantry Brigades
12 Infantry/Homeland Security Brigades
5 Commando Brigades
5 Training Brigades
1 Special Operations Division

Note: 1 Mechanized Infantry Division (with 1 armored and 1 mechanized brigades) + 1 commando brigade and support units have been assigned for NATO multi-national forces.

MAIN BATTLE TANKS (CFE 2795)


Leopard-2-A4
Number of units: 150+
Total of 298 Leopard-2A4/Batch 8 MBTs under delivery.

Leopard-1-A3T1/TU1
Number of units: 77

Leopard-1-A3T1
Number of units: 150

Leopard-1-A1-Volkan
Number of units: 65+
Total of 162 units under upgrade process by ASELSAN. The upgrade package contains a new Aselsan Eagle Eye-I thermal imaging and fire control system and electrically stabilized turret system under the name Volkan project. To be completed by December 2008.

Leopard-1-A1A1
Number of units: 3

M-60T Picture
Number of Units: 20
Total of 170 units are under SABRA III upgrade program which is to be completed by mid-2009. The upgrade program encompasses thermal imaging and Elbit Knight-III fire control system (including stabilizer and ballistic computer), 120mm Merkawa-IV L-42 smoothbore cannon (compatible with LAHAT guided ammunition) and fume extractor, automatic fire and explosion suppression system, Merkawa-IV add-on armor technology and explosive reactive armor (ERA), 1000 hp MTU diesel engine/RENK transmission, full system modernization and integration capability, new improved Merkawa-IV tracks, RWR/IR warning system and NBC protection.

M-60-A3TTS
Number of units: 658

M-60-A1 RISE/Passive
Number of units: 96

M-48-A5T2
Number of units: 760
Upgraded to M-60-A3 Standard.

M-48-A5T1
Number of units: 619
Upgraded to M-60-A1 Standard. +750 in storage.

M-48-T5
Number of units: 103
Upgraded to M-60-A1 Standard. +76 slated for transformation into armoured recovery vehicles and armoured engineer vehicles.


TOTAL: 2792 active MBTs.



ARMORED PERSONNEL CARRIERS (CFE 3120)


FNSS Armored Infantry Fighting Vehicle (AIFV)
Number of units: 650
Manufactured in Turkey

FNSS Advanced Armored Personnel Carrier (AAPC)
Number of units: 1381
Including the second batch of 551 vehicles. Manufactured in Turkey

FNSS Armored Mortar Vehicle (AMV)
Number of units: 170
Self propelled 81mm mortar. Manufactured in Turkey

FNSS Armored TOW Vehicle (ATV)
Number of units: 48
Manufactured in Turkey, equipped with a dual TOW II launcher

M-113A/A1
Number of units: 347

M-113A2T1/A2T2
Number of units: 2468

M-106A1
Number of units: 179
Self propelled M-30 107mm mortar, being scrapped.

M-125A1
Number of units: 10
Self propelled M-29 81mm mortar, being scrapped.

M-113 TOW
Number of units: 156
Excluded from CFE.

BTR-80 (8x8)
Number of units: 239

RN-94 (6X6)
Number of units: 5

Otokar Cobra (4X4)
Number of units: 65
288 more under delivery, manufactured in Turkey.

Otokar Cobra (4X4) MARS V
Number of units: ?

TOTAL: <5658

Wheeled Armored Personnel Carriers of Gendarmerie

BTR-60PB (8x8)
Number of units: 295
Received BMC upgrade. Cummings Diesel Engine, transmission, cooling, electrical, steering, brake and ventilation systems completely changed, and armored windscreens mounted. The range increased from 400 km. to 1.000 km.

Otokar Cobra (4X4)
Number of units: 30
Enhanced armor protection, manufactured in Turkey.

Otokar Akrep (4X4)
Number of units: 260+
Manufactured in Turkey.

CONDOR (4X4) P
Number of units: <25

S550 SHORLAD (4X4)
Number of units: 200+

UR416 (4X4)
Number of units: 34

V150/S Cadillac-GAGE (4X4)
Number of units: <200

Dragon 300
Number of units: 60

TOTAL: 1304+

ARTILLERY (CFE 3523)

Towed Artillery

M-115 (203mm)
Number of units: 162

M-114A1/A2 (155mm/24)
Number of units: 514

M-59 (155mm)
Number of units: 171
To be gradually retired.

SKODA (105mm)
Number of units: 128
To be gradually retired.

M-101A1 (105mm)
Number of units: 830

M-38 Skoda (105mm)
Number of units: 12
Used in training

105R Metalgun (105mm)
Number of units: 11
Used in training

M-116 (75mm)
Number of units: 180

T-155 Panter 155/52 FT-2000 (155mm)
Number of units: 46
Manufactured in Turkey. Mass-production started in end-2001. Total requirement for 400, current production rate is 12/year.

TOTAL: 2096

Self-Propelled Artillery

M-110A2 (203mm)
Number of units: 219

M-55 (203mm)
Number of units: 9

M 107 (175mm)
Number of units: 36

M 44T (155/39mm)
Number of units: 164
Upgraded

M 52T (155/39mm)
Number of units: 360
Upgraded

M 108T (155mm)
Number of units: 26
Possible upgrade program.

T-155 Firtina 155/52 SP-2000 (155mm)
Number of units: 94
Manufactured in Turkey. Derivetive of the Korean K9 with a Turkish fire control system. Mass-production started in end-2001. Total requirement for 300, production rate is 12/year.

TOTAL: 958+

Multiple Rocket Launchers / Surface-to-Surface Missiles

WS-1 Kasirga Artillery Rocket Launchers (4X302mm, 100km) Picture
Number of units: 100
1 battery (5 launchers+rockets) delivered by China, the rest produced in Turkey

WS-1B Artillery Rocket Launchers (4X302mm, 180km)
Number of units: ?
Manufactured in Turkey under a Turkey-China deal. This item has not been confirmed by official sources.

M-270 MLRS (12X227mm, 35km) Launcher Vehicles
Number of units: 12
Plans to purchase 24 additional launcher vehicles and converting the current 12 systems into E-MLRS with extended range of 45 km. were most probably cancelled due to the adoption of WS-1-series MLRS systems.

MGM-140 ATACMS Block 1 (165km)
Number of units: 72
Launched from M-270 MLRS vehicle

TR-107 Artillery Rocket Launchers (12X107mm)
Number of units: 48+
Manufactured in Turkey

RA-7040 Artillery Rocket Launchers (40X70mm)
Number of units: 24
Manufactured in Turkey

TR-122 CNRA Artillery Rocket Launchers (40X122mm, 40km)
Number of units: 76+
Manufactured in Turkey

J-600T Yildirim (f.k.a. Project J Missile) (150 km) Picture
Number of units: 36 launchers, 100 missiles
Short-range ballistic missile. The demonstrational test version was based on the Chinese M-7 (CSS-8) SSM. Then, LN-100G inertial guidance system and TRS-22XX radar were used in an effort to improve the missile's capabilities. Later on, newer technologies were employed in its improvement, which included the combination of indigenously developed technologies as well as further Chinese technology transfer. The final product was unveiled as "Yildirim Missile System" which is a locally modified version of the new Chinese-Turkish B-611 missile, which was consequently reported by the Chinese officials to have been developed as a result of cooperation between CPMIEC (China) and Roketsan (Turkey). The following phase is expected to lead to an increase in the range up to 300 km. with a Circular Error Probable (CEP) below 150 meters.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)

I-GNAT Surveillance UAV
Number of units: 1 system with 4 UAVs. Range: 500 km.

Mortars

HY-12Di (120mm) Number of units: 578
M-30 (107mm) Number of units: 1.265
UT1 (81mm) Number of units: 324
M1/M29 (81mm) Number of units: 3.175
M 19 (60mm) Number of units: ?

ARMY AVIATION

HELICOPTERS (Including Special Forces Command)

AH-1W Super Cobra
Number of units: 9
Received ASELSAN ASAM avionics upgrade. Improved self-protection suit.

AH-1P Cobra
Number of units: 27
Received ASELSAN ASAM avionics upgrade. Improved self-protection suit and IAIA NTS targeting system.

TAH-1P Cobra
Number of units: 6

AS-532UL Cougar Mk1
Number of units: 28
Planned to undergo ASELSAN ASAM avionics upgrade. 10 built in Turkey, 4 SAR, 4 VIP, 4 ambulance, 16 utility.

S-70-A28D Blackhawk ASAM
Number of units: 13
Received ASELSAN ASAM avionics upgrade, 5 with AselFlir200.

S-70-D28 Blackhawk
Number of units: 45
Includes 4 ambulance copters

S-70-A28Y Blackhawk
Number of units: 4
Yarasa Special Forces CSAR, under delivery.

S-70-A28 Blackhawk
Number of units: 4
Special Forces CSAR

S-70-D28 Blackhawk
Number of units: 2
Special Forces CSAR

S-70-D28 Blackhawk
Number of units: 5
SAR

UH-1H/2020 ASAM EIP
Number of units: 52
Received ASELSAN ASAM avionics upgrade and engine improvement.

UH-1H Iroquois
Number of units: 40
24 training, 16 utility.

UH-1D
Number of units: 20
To be gradually retired.

AB-205T/2020
Number of units: 23
Received ASELSAN ASAM avionics upgrade and engine improvement.

AB-205A1
Number of units: 27
To be gradually retired.

AB-206B3 Jet Ranger
Number of units: 28
Training copters. 8 were converted from ex-OH58A and ex-AB206A/L. Option for 24 more.

TOTAL: 36 Attack + 6 Attack Training + 52 Training + 208 Utility + 9 SAR + 10 CSAR + 8 Ambulance + 4 VIP

Note: The request for proposals for 50 attack helicopters was issued in February 2005. The entire utility, CSAR and attack fleet will be fitted with Aselsan HEWS ASES self-protection suit by 2011.



Helicopters of the Gendarmerie Command

S-70-A28 Blackhawk
Number of units: 20

S-70-A17 Blackhawk
Number of units: 5
Including 1 VIP.

AB-205A1
Number of units: 14

Mi-17 IV Picture
Number of units: 16

Mi-17 IVA HOP H
Number of units: 2

TOTAL: 54 Utility + 1 VIP + 2 Ambulance

AIRCRAFT

T-42A Beech Number of units: 4
U-17A/B Skywagon Number of units: 30
Do-28D Number of units: 15
Super King Air B-200 Number of units: 4
Citabria 150S Number of units: 30
T-41D Mescalero Number of units: 25
PA32 260 Cherokee Six Number of units: 1
DHC 2 Beaver Number of units: 1
Cessna 421B/C Golden Eagle Number of units: 4
Cessna 206U Number of units: 8

Air-to-Ground Missiles

AGM-114K HellFireIIK2
Number of units: 216
Used in the AH-1W Super Cobra helicopters.

TOW-II/IIA
Number of units: ?
Used in the AH-1P Cobra helicopters.

ANTI-AIRCRAFT

ANTI-AIRCRAFT MISSILES

ATILGAN KMS (2X4 FIM-92B/C Stinger)
Number of units: 34+
2x4 Stinger mounted on M-113. 70 units under delivery.

ZIPKIN KMS (1X4 FIM-92 Stinger)
Number of units: 28+
1x4 Stinger mounted on 4X4 armored vehicles. 35 units under delivery.

FIM-92B/C Stinger Post/RPM
Number of units: 800+
Manufactured in Turkey. Total order for 4882 missiles.

9M39 Igla (SA-18 Grouse)
Number of units: 48
Purchased from Slovakia.

ANTI-AIRCRAFT GUNS

M-42 (2X40mm)
Number of units: 110

L 70/70T Bofors (40mm)
Number of units: 302
52 with Officine Galileo P56 optical sight.

L-60 M1A1 (40mm)
Number of units: 600+

GDF-003 Oerlikon (2X35mm)
Number of units: 120
Manufactured in Turkey.

GDF-001 Oerlikon (2X35mm)
Number of units: 100+
Manufactured in Turkey.

GAI-D01 Oerlikon (2X20mm)
Number of units: 440
Manufactured in Turkey.

Mk-20 Rh202 (2X20mm)
Number of units: 300+

M-55 (4X12.7mm)
Number of units: 900

ANTI-TANK

Anti-tank Launchers-Missiles-Rockets

TOW I/II/IIA P
Number of units: 686

MILAN
Number of units: 392+
With MIRA thermal sights.

ERYX
Number of units: 620
Manufactured in Turkey under license, around 4000+ missiles delivered.

9M113M Konkurs (AT5 Spandrel)
Number of units: 54 (420 missiles)
Purchased from Slovakia in 1998.

RPG 7 (40mm)
Number of units: 5000+

M-72A2 LAW (66mm)
Number of units: 40.000+
Manufactured in Turkey.

Anti-tank Guns

M-40A1 (106mm)
Number of units: 2137

M-20 (75mm)
Number of units: 1.000
In storage.

M-18 (57mm)
Number of units: 871
In storage

TURKISH UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES (TİHA) PROGRAM : THE ROAD AHEAD
JUNE 2, 2004
By Dr. Kemal KAYA
Turkish Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (TİHA) program has been a very active project under intense study by the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF) and government procurement offices for over a decade. TAF’s interest in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) dates back to 1987 and this long-term project gained considerable amount of acceleration ever since due to its versatility, low-risk and low-cost solution to a number of reconnaissance and surveillance needs of the Turkish Military. This article will summarize overall content of the program spanning from the early years upto this time and will suggest a viable future road map to maximize operational effectiveness and industrial participation by minimizing technical and program risks and by fully utilizing local industrial capability.

First phase of the program resulted in two direct procurement contracts in 1992 for purchase and deployment of two separate systems. One of the systems was Falcon 600 of AAI and the other was GNAT 750 of GA-Aeronautical Systems. Falcon 600 program was later cancelled because of a number of persistent technical and administrative problems while GNAT 750 contract survived until eventual deployment and field-use under Turkish Land Forces Command. The GNAT system consisting of 6 air vehicles, one permanent control station, another fully mobile control unit and field observation and intelligence dissemination sub-systems is currently deployed in the field and has been in use since 1993. The first phase was intended for operational assessment of the actual system, in-country development of certain sub-systems, identification of technical risks and establishment of industrial sub-structure for proper support of larger TİHA program. During the 1994-2004 period, both Armed Forces and the Turkish industry accumulated considerable amount of experience on UAV systems and developed a number of special sub-systems for operational enchancement of the fielded UAV system. A huge log of “lessons-learned” has been recorded in user and local industry sources.

Turkish Government later issued several Requests for Proposal (RFP) for development of large numbers of UAV systems customized in accordance with changing user requirements and technology, with emphasis on increased local-content. The requirements and quantities of those systems followed a flexible pattern over the years and the number of systems were set at 9 systems (2 strategic and 7 operational systems) in the last RFP. However, foreign manufacturers’ response to these RFPs provided little answers for those requirements calling for increased local contribution. Overall work share left for the Turkish industry was unsatisfactory in terms of both economic and technical value. Summing it all, Turkish Government reached a quite important and critical decision at a recent Executive Committee meeting and cancelled the program as it was, shifting the emphasis from direct procurement or joint production toward local development with participation of Turkish companies experienced in UAV systems and other technical areas of expertise involved. This last move should be considered to be a serious intent for more active participation of the local industry which is extremely beneficient to national interests from a number of perspectives.

Taking into account the requirements set forth in the last RFP and the dominating trends in UAV industry, general architecture of the Turkish UAV system consist of the following sub-systems or components:

 Air vehicle (aircraft consisting of airframe, engine, propulsion, landing gear, fuel system, electrical system, hydraulic/pneumatic systems, flight controls etc.; flight computer, mission computer, avionic systems, data link and payloads)
 Ground Control Station (mobile shelter, mission equipment and software, data link equipment)
 Ground Data Terminal (mobile shelter, mission equipment and software, data link equipment)
 Automatic Landing System (mobile mission equipment and software, data link equipment)
 Remote Video Terminal (rugged enclosure, mission equipment and software, data link equipment)
 Image Exploitation System (mobile shelter, mission equipment and software, data link equipment including satellite communication)
 Other (test and support items)

UAV is a complex system that has components in many diverse technical areas spanning from real-time and distributed computing to communication, ruggedized hardware, transportation and power generating equipment. There is no single local company that is capable of undertaking and handling all aspects of the system therefore responsibilities for the major sub-systems should be allocated among the local industry.

In order to allocate responsibilities among Turkish industry, to maximize local content and to minimize the program risks, a high-level allocation of program work is suggested in Table-1 at the end of the article. Major sub-systems of the UAV program are listed in columns while the functional building-blocks or components are shown in lines.

When we look at the architecture, two major areas of responsibility can clearly be identified. One is the air vehicle and related areas consisting of air vehicle itself, Ground Control Station and Automatic Landing System and the other is ground systems area consisting of Ground Data Terminal, Remote Video Terminal and Image Exploitation System. In order to achieve maximum safety, performance, consistency and reliability, air vehicle and related work should be assigned to a single company, which is designated as Company 1 in the Table. There are two major technology areas in the remaining ground systems consisting of communication and image processing technologies and each should be assigned to two separate companies designated as Company 2 and 3. respectively. When designating Companies 1, 2 and 3, it should be guaranteed that they have the proper core technology corresponding to their area of responsibility. These companies shall also perform all integration work of the major sub-systems and assume overall sub-system responsibility.

There are certain sub-systems or components that can be detached from the overall architecture and given to the responsibility of individual companies. These companies shall work as sub-contractors under Companies 1, 2, 3 as applicable. However, major contractors who assume responsibility of major sub-systems are not expected to sub-contract the core technology related to their area of responsibility. Certain functional areas of expertise span many major sub-systems and therefore could be defined as “common areas”. Such work should be given to the responsibility of a single company specialized in related area. For example, mobile shelter and data link equipment appears in many sub-systems and in order to achieve commonality and scale economy each should be assigned to a single contractor.

Certain high value components such as payloads could be procured from either domestic or foreign manufacturers but there is solid need for integration of these components. Mechanical and electrical integration responsibility should naturally go to the air vehicle manufacturer while electronic and functional integration is another great area of expertise that should be assigned to the mission planning functionality.

System engineering and program management functions span across all the UAV system. Therefore they are the most crucial factors for success of the overall program which are expected to yield proper and detailed decomposition of system architecture for efficient allocation among local companies and should be assigned to the main contractor along with the overall system integration and performance responsibility. Due to it’s ecclectic nature UAV Support Center work should also be assigned to the main contractor.

In summary, UAV system consist of many diverse technical areas of expertise and product spectrum and therefore could best be handled by contribution of local industry as subcontractors under the system engineering, program management and guidance of a single contractor. Major subcontractors are expected to have core technology in small aircraft and flight sciences, data communication systems and image processing and distributed computing technologies. There are a number of other work and product areas that could be allocated other industry in accordance with their expertise and product line. Avionics components, mission computer, payloads, shelter and field devices, data link functionality and equipment, power generating equipment, trucks, other electrical, electronic or mechanical units are but few to mention.

Turkey took part in future modern combat aircraft - JSF Project which is expected to take the place of aircraft systems to become obsolete in the future. The project is also being followed by the USA, Denmark, the Netherlands, Great Britain, Israel, Italy, Canada, Norway and Singapore. Turkey participated in the development program of the aircraft to have stealth technology, in a "main participant" status during "concept demonstration" phase under the agreement signed on 16 June 1999.



Currently, studies for the determination of the participant states and their status have been started by the USA for the engineering, manufacturing and development phases; that is the second stage of the project. This phase will continue until 2008. Turkey is about to decide on participation in the remaining part of the project.

Video 1 http://www.hvkk.tsk.mil.tr/PUBLIC/vi...SF%20LM_01.mpe

Video 2 http://www.hvkk.tsk.mil.tr/PUBLIC/vi...SF%20LM_02.mpe

The F-4 is a two-seat , supersonic, long-range, all-weather fighter-bomber built by McDonnell Douglas Corporation. Mission capabilities include; long range, high-altitude intercepts utilizing air-to-air missiles as primary armament; a 20mm gun as secondary armament; long-range attack missions utilizing conventional or nuclear weapons as a primary armament; and close air support missions utilizing a choice of bombs, rockets and missiles as primary armament. Aircraft thrust is provided by two axial-flow turbo jet engines with variable stators and variable afterburner. Airplane appearance is characterized by a low mounted swept back wing with obvious dihedral at the wing tips. The wings can be folded for ease of airplane storage and ground handling. A drag chute, contained in the end of the fuselage, significantly reduces landing roll distances and an arresting hook, that is hydraulically retracted, can be utilized to stop the airplane under a wide range of gross weight-airspeed combination.



Turkish Air Force signed a contract with ISRAELI AIRCRAFT INDUSTRY (IAI) in 1997 for avionics and structural modernization of F-4E aircraft. Under modernization project, F - 4E aircraft will undergo 1st and 2nd phase modernization in Israel and at the 1st Air Supply and Maintenance Center Command, respectively.

First group F-4E aircraft were sent to Israel in 1997 for modernization.

There will be great changes between the current F - 4E and future F-4E (Phantom 2020) aircraft in avionics and structural aspects. These changes cover particularly the radars as well as the avionic systems similar to those in F - 16 aircraft such as IAIC (Improved Avionics Interface Computer), HUD (Head-up Display), UFCP (Up Front Control Panel), MFD (Multi Function Display) and AVTR (Airborne Video Tape Recorder). Through the modification applied, the F-4E aircraft will stay in the inventory of the Turkish Air Force until 2020.

The second phase of modernization was started at the 1st Air Supply and Maintenance Center Command in 2000. The said command acquires the required capabilities for the EW systems software, engineering design, en-route tests, test of avionic systems in a laboratory environment and research and development capabilities through this modernization activity.



F-4D (SPECIFICATIONS):
Crew : 2,
Engines : 2 x General Electric J-79-GE-15,
Thrust : 75.46 kN,
Wingspan : 11,68m.
Length : 17,71m.
Height : 4,99m.
Max take-off weight: 26,886kg.
Max speed : 2,310km/h. 2,17 Mach
Cruising speed: 974km/h.
Range : 2,888km.
Ceiling : 18,100m.

History



The history of the Turks whose political order was developed in line with its military order dates before 4000 years. This long story, started in Central Asia, which spread throughout all the major continents as a result of the great immigrations. The Khun, Kokturk and Uighur nations in the East and the first Turkish state, namely the Great Seljuk Empire founded by Turks of the Oghuz origin, in 1040 in the West were instrumental in introducing the Turks to the World.

Entering Anatolia thanks to Malazgirt victory in 1071, the Turks founded many provinces (called as Beylikler), The Anatolian Seljuk State and the Ottoman Empire, one of the most significant states of the Turks. Language, religion, custom and traditions were the common elements of these Turkish communities.

Over centuries, the Turkish Flag flew from one end to the other. The Turks watering their horses in theDanube, knocked on the doors of Vienna, established an absolute sovereignty in the Mediterranean and seized the Arabian Peninsula and North Africa.

Devoted soldiers as individuals, the Turks proved themselves to be an army-nation to the whole world. Beginning from the Turkish nations inCentral Asia till today, being a soldier was not considered as a profession, since every Turk was regarded as a naturally born warrior.

The God-given military mission, as depicted in the Kokturk Inscriptions, was accepted by the Turks as an ideal for all times.

Having increasingly lost its power as a result of geopolitical and geostrategic circumstances, the Ottoman Empire, during its weakest period, took part in the World War I, resulting in new and legendary pages in the history of the Turkish Army. The Gallipolis War, which played a vital role in the geographical and political order of the world, ended with the victory of the Turkish Army, leading to the extension of the war.

The defeat of its allies determined the end of theOttoman Empire, with the country being invaded and its army disarmed.

The demise of this deep-rooted empire, gave way to the rise of a new sun, laying the foundations of theTurkish Republic that would last forever. Breaking through the dark clouds, this sun was Mustafa Kemal ATATÜRK, the great soldier and statesman of the XXth Century. As a reformist of military origin, Atatürk proved his genius to the nations of the world, by improving the state, which he founded, in every field. A completely new Republic now arose over the soils of Turkey, whose borders were drawn with blood.

The great Atatürk led the Turkish Nation and Armed Forces, continuously strengthening them.

While the flames of World War II were grazing the Turkish borders, the Turkish Army was on duty. Closely monitoring the developments taking place all over the globe after the World War II, the Turkish Armed Forces attracted everyone’s attention in 1950 by participating in the Korean War solely for humanitarian purposes. The reinforced infantry brigade deployed to Korea became a good example to many nations’ armed forces due to its military courage, discipline and spirit it displayed in the wars it participated in. 731 Turkish soldiers became martyrs in Korea.

Becoming a member of the NATOAlliance on February 18, 1952, the Turkish Republic initiated a comprehensive modernisation programme for its Armed Forces. The Turkish Armed Forces, whose power of deterrence continuously increased, proved its power and capabilities once more during the 1974 Cyprus Peace Operation. Towards the end of the 80s, a re-structuring process has been initiated in the Turkish Armed Forces.

Turkey is located in a vitally important and challenging region with various political regimes, religions, economic systems and military powers. Due to its dominant position surrounded by the Black, Aegean and the Mediterranean Seas, as well as the Balkans and the Middle East, it is a focal point of strategic lines beginning from Gibraltar, where land and sea lines of communication intersect, to Middle East and Central Asia on three continents.Turkey, with its Turkish Straits is also well positioned to control the Suez Canal and consequently the maritime traffic in the region.

East and Southeastern Anatolia are the shortest land and air transport routes to the vast energy resources in the Middle East. Radical changes are taking place in the region where Turkey having vital strategic importance, is located and this process of radical changes brings great challenges with it. While the uncertainties in the content and duration of the changes continue, Turkey stands firm as an element of stability in the region.

In this environment of uncertainty, the threat to the security of Turkey no longer comprise solely the regional military powers, but also political, economic and social instabilities, border disputes, struggles of power as well as terrorism. The conditions of the region whereTurkey is located, pose a clear threat.

In addition to the regional crises, the Turkish Armed Forces, must, based on political decisions, also be prepared to respond to crises that pose a threat to the World Peace.

Strictly adhering to great Atatürk’s principle, ‘Peace At Home, Peace In The World’, the Armed Forces of the Turkish Republic does not have any aggressive intentions, but it is employed when its independence, nation, country and honour are under threat or in parallel with the common ideals of international organizations of which it is a member.

As a member of the NATO Alliance, the Turkish Republic ensured an increased security and contributed to the protection of the global balance, as well. Turkey cooperates in defence and economic fields with the US as the sole super power as a result of the changing balances and fully supports the initiatives towards Disarmament and Arms Control. In this context, Turkey is committed to a Disarmament that is realized under an effective control mechanism, which does not adversely affect the security of any nation.

In an environment full of hot conflicts,Turkey, having great importance as the last link within the NATO defence chain, must have a powerful national defence capability and a strong armed forces ready to effectively react to potential dangers from peacetime.

Elements of the Turkish Defence Policy are determination and will for National Defence, NATO solidarity and the Turkish Armed Forces.

The Armed Forces of the Turkish Republic having great geopolitical and geostrategic importance comprise the Army, Navy and Air Force that are subordinate to the Turkish General Staff. The General Command of Gendarmerie and the Coast Guard Command, which operate as the parts of internal security forces in peacetime, are subordinate to the Land and Naval Forces Commands, respectively in wartime.

The Chief of General Staff is the Commander of the Armed Forces. In wartime, he acts as the Commander in Chief on behalf of the President. Commanding the Armed Forces and establishing the policies and programs related with the preparation for combat of personnel, intelligence, operations, organization, training and logistic services are the responsibilities of the Turkish General Staff. Furthermore, the Turkish General Staff coordinates the military relations of the Turkish Armed Forces with NATO and other friendly nations.

General Yaşar BÜYÜKANIT, the 25th Commander of the Turkish Armed Forces, was born in İstanbul in 1940. He graduated from the Military Academy in 1961 as an infantry officer. After Graduating from the Infantry School in 1963, he served in different units of the Land Forces as Platoon and Commando Company Commander until 1970.

Following his graduation from the Army Staff College in 1972, he served as the Chief of Operations at 6th Infantry Division, as an instructor at Army Staff College, as Intelligence Division Basic Intelligence Branch Forces and Systems Section Chief at the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) in Mons/Belgium, as the Section and then Branch Chief of General-Admiral Branch at Turkish General Staff (TGS) Headquarters, as the Commander of Kuleli Military High School and of the Presidential Guard Regiment.

After graduating from NATO Defence College, he was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General in 1988. He served as the 2nd Armored Brigade Commander and then as the Chief of Intelligence Department at AFSOUTH HQs in Naples, Italy.

Having been promoted to rank of Major General in 1992, General BÜYÜKANIT served as the Secretary General of Turkish General Staff and then as the Superintendent of the Turkish Army Academy. He was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General in 1996 and served as the 7th Army Corps Commander till 1998, after which he became the Chief of Operations of the TGS.

In 2000, he was promoted to the rank of General and served as the Deputy Chief of TGS till 2003. Then he served as the Commander of the First Army. General BÜYÜKANIT was appointed as the Commander of the Land Forces in 2004. He assumed the Command of the Turkish Armed Forces in 30 August 2006.

His decorations include, Turkish Armed Forces (TAF) Medal of Distinguished Service, TAF Medal of Distinguished Courage and Self-Sacrifice, TAF Medal of Honor, Italian Medal of Honor, USA Legion of Merit and Pakistani Nishan-ı Imtiaz.

He is married to Mrs. Filiz BÜYÜKANIT and they have a daughter. General BÜYÜKANIT speaks English as a foreign language.

The Turkish Armed Forces missions and responsibilities are clearly stated in the Turkish constitution and determined by laws as to react against new security challenges and crises in 2000’s, to be ready to face the uncertainties, and to ensure the security of turkey against internal and external risks. Turkish Armed Forces will conduct the following tasks;

* deterrence,

* analyses of the security and operation area,

* operations other than war,

* crises management,

* small scale or limited force deployments,

* conventional war,

In this context; the small but flexible units, having sufficient capability, equipped whit technological weapon and systems, comprising sufficient command-control assets, precise and developed ammunition, covering early warning assets and also able to conduct operation in any weather condition are very desirable and take priority in the new approach.

New politico-military strategic environment after the post cold war era, dominated by instabilities and uncertainties in caucasus, middle east and balkans, deems it necessary for the turkish armed forces to prepare herself for an unforeseeable future.

Since we face diverse threats and risks, we are planning to reorganize turkish armed forces in the first decade of 2000 to add new capabilities.

To achieve this, the importance and prioritization is attributed to establishment of multifunctional units capable of conducting various tasks.

In the current political military strategic environment where the global and regional balances have not been fully formed yet, the turkish armed forces capable of ensuring security of turkey as well as contributing to regional and global peace and stability aim at maintaining and/or improving the following capabilities.

* deterrence of military power,

* Command, control, communication, computer, intelligence, surveliance and reconnaissance (c4isr) systems,

* superior maneuver capability and fire power,

* Equipped with high tech weapons and systems,

* Ability to conduct operations day and night,

* Air/missile defense and nbc protection capability against the mass destruction weapons,

* Ability to conduct joint and combined operations,

* interoperability with the armed forces of the allies,

* Ability to conduct various type operations such as peace support, counter terrorism, disasters relief, crisis management, small scale strikes, blockade, embargo, humanitarian aid, control of refugee flow etc. As well as conventional war .

After the collapse of the bipolar world order, power vacuum, which occurred in the Balkans, Caucasus and the Middle East, has increased the global ambiguity and led to geopolitical vulnerability in these regions.

After numerous conflicts and crises in these power vacuum areas and terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001; asymmetric threats came on the agenda. The school raid in North Ossetia showed the public how far terrorism as the most distinct asymmetric threat may reach.

In this context, Turkey’s basic security concerns are focused on;

- Terrorism,

- The threat of Long-Range Missiles and Weapons of Mass Destruction,

- Religious Extremism,

- Regional Conflicts.

Defense policy of Turkey, which is located in the Center of the Caucasus, Middle East and the Balkans which are the most unstable regions in the World, is designed to preserve and protect the national independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and vital interests of the country. Accordingly in its National Defense Policy, Turkey considers the following targets;

- To be an element of power and stabilization in her region,

- To form a “Peace and Security Zone” in her surroundings,

- To contribute to peace and security in her region and to spread it to a broader range,

- To be a nation that produces strategies and security that can affect all strategies regarding her region and beyond,

- To make use of every opportunity to get engaged in initiatives to develop cooperation aimed at having close and positive relations.

Turkey, whose defense policy’s main principles have been guided by her founder ATATÜRK’s dictum “Peace at Home, Peace in the World” since the foundation, tries to involve actively in initiatives aiming to preserve the stabilization in her region and the world.

Turkey carries out a policy aiming to find a solution to the crises peacefully or to stop the conflicts as well as provide fair and permanent peace. To that end, she makes contributions to all activities supporting stability.

The hierarchy, representation and employment of the Turkish Armed Forces within Turkish State organization have been regulated by the Constitution. According to the Constitution; The office of Commander in Chief is represented in the spiritual entity of Turkish Grand National Assembly (TGNA). The Chief of General Staft is appointed by the President as Commanderof the Armed Forces and is responsible to Prime Minister. The Council of Ministers is responsible to Turkish Grand National Assembly for national security and the preparation of the Armed Forces to defend the country. However, authority to declare a state of war and send Turkish Armed Forces to foreign countries or allow foreign armed forces to be stationed in Turkey rests with Turkish Grand National Assembly.



The Chief of the Turkish General Staff is responsible to the Prime Minister and is charged with the overall command and control of the Turkish Armed Forces. He is also responsible for;

- Conducting the military operations effectively

- The operational readiness of Turkish Armed Forces

The commanders of the three services (Iand, naval, air) report directly to the Chief of the Turkish General Staff. Turkish General Staff and the Ministry of National Defense work in close ,,,': coordination and cooperation to fulfill their respective responsibilities. The General Command of Gendarmerie and the Coast Guard Command, as a part of the intemal security forces, are affiliated with the Ministry of Interior Affairs at peacetime; whereas at war-time, they fall under Land Forces Command and Naval Forces Command, respectively.

The Turkish Armed Forces is composed of Land Forces Command subordinate to the Turkish General Staff, Naval Forces Command and Air Forces Command as well as the Gendarmerie General Command and the Coast Guard Command, which are subordinate to the Ministry of Internal Affairs in peacetime and to the Land Forces and the Naval Forces Commands in wartime.

TURKISH LAND FORCES :

Force Structure of the Land Forces Command is as follows:

* 4 Field Armies

* 9 Army Corps

* 1 Infantry Division

* 2 Mechanized Infantry Divisions

* 1 Armored Division

* 1 Training Division

* 11 Infantry / Motorized Infantry Brigades

* 16 Mechanized Infantry Brigades

* 9 Armored Brigades

* 5 Commando Brigades

* 1 Army Aviation Brigade

* 2 Artillery Brigades

* 5 Training Brigades

* 1 Humanitarian Aid Brigade

These units are organized as four Field Armies and Logistics Command and Training and Doctrine Command, which are subordinate to the Turkish Land Forces.

The Turkish Naval Forces:

Force Structure of the Turkish Naval Forces is as follows;

* 13 Submarines

* 18 Frigates

* 6 Corvettes

* 20 Mine Sweepers / Hunters

* 24 Assault Boats

Subordinate Commands of the Turkish Naval Forces Command are the Fleet Command, the Northern Sea Area Command, the Southern Sea Area Command and the Naval Training and Education Command.

The Turkish Air Forces:

Force Structure of the Turkish Air Forces is as follows;

* 17 Combat Squadrons

* 1 Reconnaissance Squadron

* 1 Tanker Squadron

* 5 Transportation Squadrons

* 3 Search and Rescue Squadrons

* 10 Training Squadrons

These units are organized as 1st and 2nd Air Forces Commands, Air Training and Air Logistics Commands.

Capabilities of the Turkish Armed Forces

At a short notice, Turkish Army can deploy an Army Corps of 40 (forty) or 50.000 (fifty thousand) troops to conduct joint operations. It can deploy a force consisting of six battalions to distant targets in a very short time by day and night air-landed operations.




Turkish Armed Forces can simultaneously conduct four separate Peace Support Operations via its Battalion Task Force throughout the world.



Turkish Navy can participate in international operations and exercises beyond the Mediterranean Sea. Submarines can individually navigate up to 15.000 (fifteen thousand) nautical miles and return home bases.

After the US Air Forces, the Turkish Air Forces have the highest number of F-16 aircraft in the world. Turkish Air Forces can participate in exercises conducted overseas. With air refueling capability, Turkish aircraft can join live exercises in central Europe and return home bases in Turkey, and fly directly from Turkey to the USA crossing the Atlantic Ocean. In addition, the air operation conducted during the Kosova crisis has displayed that the Turkish Air Forces, after the US, is the only Air Force, which can conduct night operations.


The Turkish Armed Forces can perform Disaster Relief Operations as it did in the recent earthquakes, which struck Marmara Region and Düzce in Turkey and it has been improving its capabilities day by day.

With the new capabilities which it will gain as a result of the modernization activities, the Turkish Armed Forces will improve in a way to meet the requirements which emerge in such an environment that lacks certainty and stability in our geography that bears multidimensional and confusing threats and risks.